Water-sports can be a fun way to soak up the sun, enjoy your friends and get some exercise. Equipment that is safe and functional is essential, though. A self-cinching knot will keep the rope used for water skiing and wake boarding out of the water when under tension. It will also prevent it from becoming ensnared in any propellers or the boat's motor -- which can sink your day fast. The right knot can save you money, too. Because it stays in place and won't over-tighten, you can undo it without having to cut the ski rope.
Knot for Tow Pylon
Step 1
Stick your hand through the end loop, or a take-up loop if you're using a shortened tow rope.
Step 2
Grab the main line and pull it through the loop. This will form a new main line loop.
Step 3
Place the new loop around the tow pylon and pull the main line to cinch the rope around the tow pylon.
Knot for Ski Eye
Ski rope knots use tension from the main line to cinch around the tow hook-up. Never use a knot that relies on tension from the slack line.
Step 1
Twist the end loop or a take-up loop to form a figure-eight in the loop.
Step 2
Fold the figure-eight in half to form two loops.
Step 3
Place the two loops around the ski eye and pull the main line to cinch the rope around the ski eye.
Tips
References
Tips
- Ski rope knots use tension from the main line to cinch around the tow hook-up. Never use a knot that relies on tension from the slack line.
Writer Bio
Alberto J. Medina is a small-business owner, personal trainer and professional writer. He holds a bachelor's degree in exercise and health promotion from Virginia Tech, and is an ACE-certified advanced health and fitness specialist as well as a health coach and group fitness instructor.